Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on November 7, 2023
63-year-old Gerald Steven Pigeon of Niagara Falls, pleaded guilty in State Supreme Court to one count of first-degree sexual abuse ahead of a jury trial that was scheduled to begin next month. Pigeon is a former Erie County Democratic Chairman. According to the district attorney’s office, on a date between November 2016 and December 2016, Pigeon subjected a child, who was younger than 11 years old to sexual contact at a location in Erie County. The victim was known to Pigeon. He was arraigned on a six-count indictment in the case in December 2021. Pigeon is scheduled to be sentenced on December 22, he faces a maximum of seven years in prison. He continues to be released on his own recognizance and a temporary order of protection issued on behalf of the victim remains in effect.
The general election is today. Polls opened at 6am and will close tonight at 9pm. If you don’t know where you can vote you can visit voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or call 585 815 7804 to find your polling place. Today is also the last day to postmark your ballot. The Board of Elections must receive it by Nov. 14. Military/Special Federal absentee ballots must be received by Nov. 20. All registered voters are allowed to vote today. There are 2 propositions on the ballot. 1 is for an increase in the debt limit for small city school districts. 2 is for removing the debt limit for sewage projects. Byron Bergen Voters also have prop 3 which is adding an annual tax to support the public library.
One suspect is in custody after a theft at Dicks Sporting Goods on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. Deputies were dispatched to the area following the report of two men stealing coats. The men reportedly fled on bicycles. They were described as white, one wearing a black sweater, baseball cap, and jeans and the other in blue jeans and gray sweater. They were reportedly seen headed toward Walmart before officers arrived.
The City of Batavia Water Department will need to temporarily turn off water in the Jackson Street area today for the duration of the day to replace a valve. The following streets will be without water: Chestnut Street, Kibbe Avenue, Elmwood Avenue, South Jackson Street, from Jackson Street to Liberty Street, and Jackson Street, from Central Avenue to South Jackson Street. Surrounding streets may be affected as well. As always, when the water is restored, it may be discolored. Refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.
New York State is attempting to tackle maternal and infant mortality rates. Governor Hochul on Monday announced legislation to create a community directory of Doulas who are birthing experts that provide physical and emotional support for expectant parents. New funding has also been allocated for Peri-Natal Centers. Also, Doula services will be covered for all Medicaid recipients, starting January 1st.
General Motors plans to invest $300 million into the Tonawanda engine plant, the United Auto Workers union confirmed Monday. It’s one of three additional investments that was secured by the union through recent negotiations. The deal must still be ratified by a simple majority of the union’s 46,000 members with the automaker. The investment would be used for drive-unit production for electric vehicles. Other locations included for EV investment are the Lansing and Fairfax plants
